The 6 Best Beauty Looks in 2012 Movies

Elves, vampires, witches, and a futuristic society that basically just parties all the time. It was a great year for movies—and an even greater year for the makeup artists and hairstylists who got to run wild in their departments. Here, our favorite movie looks in 2012:

No one expected the futuristic Capitol citizens (like Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket) to influence our own beauty looks. But then Fendi sent the models down the runway with color-blocked eyeliner. And Oscar de la Renta painted pink, yellow, and blue streaks into the prim updos at his show. And before we knew it, we ourselves had purple tips in our hair. Just saying.

Two women. Two badass braids. After seeing the film, everyone wanted a braided crown like Charlize Theron, or a cascading French braid as seen on Kristen Stewart. Hairstylist John Barrett even told us the film boosted sales at Barrett's Braids, a braid bar in the penthouse of Bergdorf Goodman that specializes in both styles.

We waited an eternity to see Bella's vampire transformation—and we weren't disappointed. With longer, lusher hair, luminous skin, and killer curves—it looked as if the makeup department gave Stewart the Victoria's Secret treatment (minus the spray tan). Hey, if you have to live forever, you might as well look good doing it.

Of all the important takeaways from Les Misérables (social injustice, compassion, sacrificial love), we have to say Anne Hathaway gave us the greatest one—how to get a pixie—and how to grow it out. The actress buzzed her hair onscreen and still looked amazing—even on her wedding—through every step of the process.

No, we're not applauding the neglected Hobbit pedicures. Nor the abundance of braided facial hair. Instead, we're taking this time to honor Cate Blanchett, who rewound the clock 10 years to play an even younger version of herself. Considering all those intense close-ups, that's no easy task (even for the face of a major skincare company).